There’s nothing I love more than creating recipes that feel both comforting and approachable. This Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon is exactly that—quick, easy, and family-friendly. Just like my other dishes, it’s customizable to fit your taste and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With warm cinnamon, tender apples, and a golden topping, it brings the balance of homey flavor and effortless preparation right to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please, this Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon is the perfect choice. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a warm and cozy dessert on the table in no time—ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even special occasions when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this apple cinnamon dump cake is its versatility. You can make it with fresh apples for a more old-fashioned flavor, or use apple pie filling for the ultimate shortcut. A sprinkle of cinnamon takes it up a notch, giving every bite that nostalgic, fall-inspired taste we all crave.
What makes this recipe extra special is how family-friendly it is. Kids love the gooey apple filling, adults love the warm spice, and everyone appreciates the crunchy, golden topping. It’s also customizable—add caramel drizzle, swap in spice cake mix, or enjoy it just as it is. However you serve it, this dump cake is a fuss-free dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for This Recipe
One of the best things about this Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon is how simple the ingredient list is—no fancy steps, no complicated prep, just straightforward items you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy dessert:
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or thinly sliced on top)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
✨ Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice (for extra warmth)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
The apple pie filling gives this recipe its gooey, sweet base, while the cake mix provides that irresistible golden topping. Butter helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven, and cinnamon ties everything together with a warm, nostalgic flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding nuts or a pinch of nutmeg gives the cake even more depth. And of course, no apple dessert is complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
How to Make This Recipe
Making Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon couldn’t be easier—it’s truly a mix-and-bake dessert that anyone can master. Here’s how to pull it together in just a few minutes of prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If using fresh apples, toss them with a little sugar and cinnamon first to create that gooey texture.
- Sprinkle the cake mix directly over the apple layer. You don’t need to stir—it should stay on top like a crumbly blanket.
- Add cinnamon and optional spices over the cake mix for an extra layer of warmth.
- Pour the melted butter evenly across the surface, or dot thin slices of butter over the dry mix. This helps create a golden, crisp topping.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
That’s it! In under an hour, you’ll have a cozy, old-fashioned dessert with gooey apples and a crunchy cinnamon topping.
Expert Cooking Tips
This Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon is wonderfully simple, but a few expert tips can make it taste bakery-worthy every time.
- Use fresh apples for a rustic touch. While canned apple pie filling is the ultimate shortcut, fresh apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon give the cake a more old-fashioned flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well.
- Distribute butter evenly. Whether you melt it or slice it thin, make sure the butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible. This ensures a golden, crisp topping with no dry patches.
- Layer in extra flavor. A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking can elevate the cinnamon apple flavors beautifully.
- Serve warm for the best experience. Dump cake is at its peak when the filling is bubbling and the topping is slightly crunchy. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a true comfort dessert.
- Make it ahead. This cake reheats well—just cover and warm it in the oven before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
These small tweaks guarantee your apple cinnamon dump cake will be both foolproof and unforgettable.
FAQs
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The most common mistake is not spreading the butter evenly. If parts of the cake mix stay dry, the topping won’t bake properly. Make sure the butter covers as much surface as possible.
How much cinnamon should I add to apple cake?
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is perfect for enhancing the apple flavor. If you love warm spices, add nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
How do you make a 2-ingredient apple spice cake?
Simply mix a box of spice cake mix with a can of apple pie filling, then bake. It’s a quick, fuss-free version of apple dump cake.
Should you cook apples before putting them in a cake?
If you’re using canned pie filling, no cooking is needed. For fresh apples, lightly sauté or toss them with sugar and cinnamon so they bake evenly.
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This Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon is the ultimate example of a cozy, fuss-free dessert that everyone can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients—apple pie filling, cake mix, butter, and cinnamon—you can create a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like it took hours to bake. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight treat or a show-stopping dessert for family and friends, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of gooey apples, sweet golden topping, and comforting cinnamon aroma.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Use fresh apples for a rustic twist, sprinkle in nuts for extra texture, or add a drizzle of caramel to make it indulgent. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate cozy experience.
Easy, customizable, and delicious, this apple cinnamon dump cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the plate in no time!
Print
Apple Dump Cake with Cinnamon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This apple dump cake is layered with apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with buttery cake mix for a golden crisp topping. It’s a classic dump-and-bake dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave apple pie flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (about 15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or thinly sliced on top)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice (for extra warmth)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Apples: Spread apple pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon (and nutmeg, if using) over the apples.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Add Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix (or lay thin slices of butter evenly over it).
- Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
📝 Notes & Tips:
- Spice Cake Option: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra cinnamon flavor.
- Fresh Apple Swap: Use 5–6 cups of sliced fresh apples tossed with ½ cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon. Add ¼ cup water for moisture.
- Make it crispier: Use cold butter cut into thin pats instead of melted butter.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American